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High-protein lasagna with turkey sauce, cottage cheese, spinach, and melted mozzarella

High-Protein Lasagna

This high-protein lasagna is a filling, meal-prep friendly dinner made with lean ground turkey, cottage cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, marinara, and lasagna noodles. It keeps the classic comfort-food flavor while adding more protein for satisfying weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water or broth
  • For the Cheese Filling
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • For Assembly
9 to 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, optional

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add lean ground turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked.
  4. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion softens.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, and water or broth. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, parmesan, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
  8. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, then spread on some cottage cheese filling, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
  9. Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan on top.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  12. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.

Notes

Let the lasagna rest before slicing so the pieces hold their shape.
Cottage cheese adds protein and keeps the filling creamy without making the lasagna too heavy.
You can use lean ground beef or chicken instead of turkey.
For meal prep, slice the cooled lasagna into portions and store in airtight containers.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until hot.
Nutrition is an estimate and may vary based on the exact noodles, sauce, cheese, and serving size used.